'A Wily Virus' Attacks New York

Flu cases have surged in New York as the national epidemic continues to claim lives.

The state health department has counted nearly 12,000 infections — twice as many as in any of the previous four years.

“They now account for 6.5 percent of all emergency department and outpatient clinic [visits], and it's the highest that we've seen in the last four years,” she said.

Part of the reason for the dramatic increase in infections is that vaccines this year aren't as effective as in the past.

"This particular virus that we're seeing this year — the H3N2 virus — is a wily virus which has proved difficult to find a highly effective vaccine for,” Bassett said.

The “wily” nature of this year’s most prevalent flu strain is partly to blame, said Bassett.

Studies suggest the vaccine this year is only effective in 10 percent of cases. But Bassett, a physician, said that the flu shot still prevent serious complications from the virus, including deaths among children.

Two New York City have died from the flu so far this year, compared to four children at this point last year. Nationally, flu has claimed the lives of 17 children and 53 adults.